modern.charleston

Just a few other touches we added to the bathroom. At Daniel's insistence, we got a teak bathmat. Teak has antibacterial properties (a definite plus for the bathroom area), and it also absorbs water really well (not to mention the wood finish goes really well with the rest of the bathroom). We've been using it the past couple of days, and I really like it (and I also like the fact that it will be much easier to keep clean).

In addition, we also added a towel holder to the right of the mirror just above the tile (and missing tile).

When we get around to painting the trim and doors, we're also adding four towel hooks from Ikea (GRUNDTAL). We'll put one hook on the back of the main door and the remaining three on the inside of the closet door (so you can't see the towels when the door is closed). We ended up going with hooks as opposed to a bar because our wall space is a bit more limited than it has been in the past.

Labels: bathroom, Ikea

Since Daniel and I had the unexpected pleasure of finding a giant hole in the bathroom wall when we removed the mirror, we decided to commence with our mini-renovation plans. While small, the bathroom itself isn’t bad. The tile is still in good shape (with a few minor cracks on the floor), it has insanely good storage space in the closet, the color—while probably not my first choice—isn’t appalling. When we first were looking at the house, we considered redoing the entire bathroom (way on into the future) but ultimately decided we really liked it. All in all it’s a charming, retro bathroom. However, there are a couple of areas that could use improvement:

1) The sink area - Part of a renovation from the mid '90s if I recall, the cabinet is white laminate particle board with two plastic handles. While it functions, it doesn't add to the room's charm, and it just blends in with the rest of the room (which, right now, is a good thing since I also think it's on the ugly side). The faucet is also standard (stainless with two plastic "crystal" handles), so we're hoping to add a bit more personality with this as well.

2) The closet door - It's waaaaay too big for the space. While it's nice that we have so much storage in sucha small bathroom, I practically take Daniel out with the door when I'm trying to get something from the closet while he's standing at the sink. Folding/accordian doors are an option, although I think we both would prefer something a bit more sleek, so we're still searching on this one.

3) All hardware - The main problem with the hardware is just that it's rusted, so it should be a relatively easy fix to switch out hinges and door knobs.

4) Tile-mounted soap and toothbrush holders - While these were definite staples of the time period, they don't (and can't) hold pump soap or Sonicare toothbrushes. Basically, they're in the way and make centering a new sink and mirror a bit of a challenge, but we're hoping they can removed with relative ease. I will definitely be doing more research on this one though.

Currently, Daniel and I have plans to install a new sink, faucet, cabinet, and mirror from Ikea. We have family visiting this weekend, and they'll be passing through Atlanta. All the more reason to get a jump start on the bathroom renovation. While I wish Ikea were closer, Daniel made a good point: since Ikea isn't commonplace here in Charleston, it is still able to look unique.

We ultimately decided the STENSKAR series would look the best (with the HOLLVIKEN sink and the ENSEN faucet). It's made of beech, and I like that it will provide a nice "pop" of color against the tile. Also, since it's raised off the floor, it should help open the space. One important aspect of the sink is that it still provides ample room for the soap pump, toothbrushes, and cotton ball and Q-tip jars.